Decision still pending on Gove mining lease

Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin says she has yet to decide whether to approve a 40-year lease agreement between traditional owners and a major mining company in the Northern Territory.

The current lease agreement for the Rio Tinto Alcan site at Gove is due to expire this month, and some groups say they have been left out of renewal negotiations.

Ms Macklin says she is still assessing the agreement.

"That matter is still under final investigation and I look forward to receiving advice from my department shortly," she said.

"We will make a decision as soon as possible.

"The obligation that I have is to take advice on these matters and that will be done as quickly as I can."

You have no doubt been hearing a lot about the Paris Agreement and know that it pertains to climate change, but are too embarrassed at this stage to ask for an overall explanation of what it's all about.